U.S. patent application number 11/819936 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for shadow mask and method of fabricating organic light-emitting device using the same.
Invention is credited to Heung Lyul Cho, Jeong Hyun Kim, Jae Yoon Lee.
Application Number | 20080003350 11/819936 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38876975 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080003350 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Jeong Hyun ; et
al. |
January 3, 2008 |
Shadow mask and method of fabricating organic light-emitting device
using the same
Abstract
A shadow mask and a method of fabricating an OLED display using
the same is disclosed, wherein the shadow mask is not sagging, and
the shadow mask includes a plurality of columns, each column
including a plurality of first or second cell-forming parts,
wherein the first and second cell-forming parts are alternately
arranged in the columns, and the first and second cell-forming
parts provided in the adjacent columns include transmission parts
having the different open directions.
Inventors: |
Kim; Jeong Hyun; (Gunpo-si,
KR) ; Lee; Jae Yoon; (Seoul, KR) ; Cho; Heung
Lyul; (Suwon-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP;Song K. Jung
1900 K Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
38876975 |
Appl. No.: |
11/819936 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
427/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 51/0011 20130101;
C23C 14/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
427/66 |
International
Class: |
B05D 5/06 20060101
B05D005/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 30, 2006 |
KR |
2006-060610 |
Claims
1. A shadow mask comprising a plurality of columns, each column
including a plurality of first or second cell-forming parts,
wherein the first and second cell-forming parts are alternately
arranged in the columns, and the first and second cell-forming
parts provided in the adjacent columns include a plurality of
transmission parts having different open directions.
2. The shadow mask of claim 1, wherein the transmission parts
provided in the cell-forming parts for each column have the same
open direction.
3. The shadow mask of claim 2, wherein the column provided with the
transmission parts having the first direction alternates with the
column provided with the transmission parts having the second
direction.
4. The shadow mask of claim 3, wherein the first and second
directions cross each other.
5. The shadow mask of claim 4, wherein the first direction is
orthogonal to the second direction.
6. A shadow mask comprising a plurality of columns and rows, each
column including a plurality of first or second cell-forming parts,
each cell-forming part including a plurality of transmission parts,
wherein the first cell-forming parts are positioned in the
odd-numbered row, and the second cell-forming parts are positioned
in the even-numbered row.
7. The shadow mask of claim 6, wherein the transmission parts
provided in the cell-forming parts for each column have the same
open direction.
8. The shadow mask of claim 7, wherein the transmission parts
provided in the cell-forming parts for the columns have the same
open direction.
9. The shadow mask of claim 7, wherein the first cell-forming parts
provided with the transmission parts having the first direction
alternate with the second cell-forming parts provided with the
transmission parts having the second direction.
10. The shadow mask of claim 9, wherein the first and second
directions cross each other.
11. The shadow mask of claim 10, wherein the first direction is
orthogonal to the second direction.
12. A method of fabricating an OLED display comprising: preparing a
shadow mask including a plurality of columns, each column including
a plurality of first or second cell-forming parts, wherein the
first and second cell-forming parts are alternately arranged in the
columns, and the first and second cell-forming parts provided in
the adjacent columns include a plurality of transmission parts
having different open directions; positioning the shadow mask below
a substrate; and forming an organic light-emitting layer by
supplying an organic light-emitting material layer from an organic
light-emitting material supplier positioned below the shadow mask
to the substrate through the transmission parts of the shadow
mask.
13. A method of fabricating an OLED display comprising: preparing a
shadow mask including a plurality of columns and rows, each column
including a plurality of first or second cell-forming parts, each
cell-forming part including a plurality of transmission parts,
wherein the first cell-forming parts are positioned in the
odd-numbered rows, and the second cell-forming parts are positioned
in the even-numbered rows; positioning the shadow mask below a
substrate; and forming an organic light-emitting layer by supplying
an organic light-emitting material layer from an organic
light-emitting material supplier positioned below the shadow mask
to the substrate through the transmission parts of shadow mask.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 2006-60610 filed on Jun. 30, 2006, which is hereby
incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an organic light-emitting
diode, and more particularly, to a shadow mask which is not
sagging, and a method of fabricating an organic light-emitting
diode (OLED) display device using the shadow mask.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] One of various flat panel displays, an organic
light-emitting diode (OLED) display, emits light by itself. In
comparison to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, the OLED
display has the advantageous properties of wide viewing angle and
high contrast ratio. It is unnecessary for the OLED display to
provide a backlight unit, so that the OLED display realizes thin
profile, light in weight and low power consumption.
[0006] Furthermore, the OLED display is driven by a low voltage,
and the OLED display has a rapid response speed. Also, the OLED
display is fabricated with a solid matter, whereby the OLED display
can endure the external impact and can be used in the wide scope of
temperature. Especially, the OLED display may be fabricated only by
deposition and encapsulation apparatuses, so that a method of
fabricating the OLED display is simplified.
[0007] When the OLED display is driven in an active matrix type
where each pixel includes a thin film transistor of a switching
element, the same luminance can be realized even in case of
applying a low current, thereby obtaining the low power
consumption, fineness, and large size of the device.
[0008] The OLED display displays images by exciting a fluorescent
material using carriers including electrons and holes.
[0009] In the meantime, the OLED display is generally driven in a
passive matrix type having no additional thin film transistor.
However, the passive matrix type has limitations on the lower
consumption and lifespan of device. Thus, there are researches and
studies for an active matrix type OLED display which is suitable
for a next-generation display requiring high resolution and large
size.
[0010] The OLED display is divided into a lower light-emitting mode
and an upper light-emitting mode based on whether an organic
light-emitting layer is positioned on a lower substrate or an upper
substrate. For example, when realizing the active matrix type in
the upper light-emitting mode, a thin film transistor array is
provided on the lower substrate and the light-emitting layer is
positioned on the upper substrate, it is referred to as a dual
plate type OLED (DOD) display.
[0011] Hereinafter, a related art OLED display will be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross section view of illustrating a related art
OLED display. Referring to FIG. 1, the related art OLED display
includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, a thin film
transistor array including a thin film transistor (TFT) in each sub
pixel of the first substrate 10, an organic light-emitting diode
(E) formed on the second substrate 20, and a seal pattern 30 formed
in the circumference of first and second substrates 10 and 20. To
supply a current to the organic light-emitting diode (E), there are
a transparent electrode 16 and a connector 17 which connects the
thin film transistor (TFT) to a second electrode 25 by each sub
pixel.
[0013] At this time, the organic light-emitting diode (E) includes
a first electrode 21 which functions as a common electrode, a
second electrode separator 26 which is positioned in the boundaries
of every sub pixel above the first electrode 21, organic
light-emitting layers 22, 23 and 24, and the second electrode 25.
In order to form the organic light-emitting diode (E), the first
electrode 21, the second electrode separator 26, the organic
light-emitting layers 22, 23 and 24 and the second electrode 25 are
deposited in sequence, and then the organic light-emitting layers
22, 23 and 24 and the second electrode 25 are separated by the
second electrode separator provided on the boundaries of every sub
pixel.
[0014] At this time, the organic light-emitting layer includes a
first carrier-transmitting layer 22, a light-emitting layer 23, and
a second carrier-transmitting layer 24, which are deposited in
sequence. The first and second carrier-transmitting layers 22 and
24 inject and transport electrons or holes to the light-emitting
layer 23.
[0015] The first and second carrier-transmitting layers 22 and 24
are determined based on the position of anode and cathode. For
example, supposing that the light-emitting layer 23 is selected
from a high molecular substance, the first electrode 21 serves as
the anode, and the second electrode 25 serves as the cathode. In
this case, the first carrier-transmitting layer 22 which is
positioned adjacent to the first electrode 21 includes a hole
injection layer and a hole transporting layer deposited in
sequence, and the second carrier-transmitting layer 24 which is
positioned adjacent to the second electrode 25 includes an electron
injection layer and an electron transporting layer deposited in
sequence.
[0016] Also, the first and second carrier-transmitting layers 22
and 24 and the light-emitting layer 23 may be formed of the high
molecular substance or low molecular substance. When using the low
molecular substance, they are formed by a vacuum deposition method.
Meanwhile, when using the high molecular substance, they are formed
by an ink jet method.
[0017] Unlike a general spacer for the LCD device, a conductive
spacer 17 functions as an electric connector between the two
substrates as well as cell-gap maintenance. The conductive spacer
17 has a predetermined height between the two substrates.
[0018] The thin film transistor (TFT) corresponds to a driving thin
film transistor connected to the organic light-emitting diode (E).
The thin film transistor (TFT) includes a gate electrode 11 which
is formed on a predetermined portion of the first substrate 10, a
semiconductor layer 13 which is formed in shape of an island to
cover the gate electrode 11, and source and drain electrodes 14a
and 14b which are formed at both sides of the semiconductor layer
13. In addition, a gate insulation layer 12 is formed on an entire
surface of the first substrate 10, wherein the gate insulation
layer 12 is interposed between the gate electrode 11 and the
semiconductor layer 13. Then, a passivation layer is formed on the
gate insulation layer 12 including the source and drain electrodes
14a and 14b. At this time, the drain electrode 14b is electrically
connected to the transparent electrode 16 formed on the passivation
layer 15 through a contact hole formed in the passivation layer 15.
The upper side of transparent electrode 16 is brought into contact
with the conductive spacer 17.
[0019] The conductive spacer 17 electrically connects the drain
electrode 14b of thin film transistor (TFT) provided by each sub
pixel to the second electrode 25 formed on the second substrate 20.
The conductive spacer 17 is formed by coating a column-shaped
spacer of organic insulation material with a metal material. The
sub pixels of first substrate 10 are electrically connected to the
sub pixels of second substrate 20 by a one-to-one
correspondence.
[0020] The metal material for the conductive spacer 17 is selected
from a conductive material, preferably, a metal material having the
softness and low resistance value. At this time, the first
electrode 21 is formed of a transparent electrode material, and the
second electrode 25 is formed of a light-shielding metal layer.
Also, the interval between the first and second substrates 10 and
20 may be filled with an inert gas or an insulating liquid.
[0021] Although not shown, the first substrate 10 includes a
scanning line, a signal line crossing the scanning line at a
predetermined interval with each other, a power supplying line and
a storage capacitor.
[0022] For a dual plate type OLED display, there is a bus line
formed in shape of a grid on the first electrode 21 of a
transparent electrode material having a high resistivity. The bus
line prevents a voltage value from being lowered on the first
electrode 21.
[0023] In the meantime, the organic light-emitting layer is formed
on the second substrate 20. The organic light-emitting layer is
formed of an organic light-emitting material which emits a
predetermined light, for example R, G and B light, for each sub
pixel.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a plane view of illustrating a shadow mask to form
the related art OLED display.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the shadow mask 40 is provided with a
plurality of cell-forming parts 45, wherein the plurality of
cell-forming parts 45 are regularly arranged in the same direction
at fixed intervals. Each of the cell-forming parts 45 formed in the
shadow mask 40 is provided with a plurality of transmission parts
51 which correspond to R, G and B organic light-emitting layers. At
this time, the line width of each of the transmission parts 51 is
identical to the line width of each of the R, G and B organic
light-emitting layers.
[0026] The plurality of transmission parts 51 provided in each of
the cell-forming parts 45 are formed in the same direction at fixed
intervals. Except the transmission parts 51, the other portions of
shadow mask 40 are defined with a masking part 41.
[0027] Each of the cell-forming parts 45 is identical in size to
one cell corresponding to one OLED display, wherein one cell is
provided with a plurality of pixels.
[0028] In the process of fabricating the OLED display using the
related art shadow mask 40, the organic light-emitting layer is
formed on the substrate through each of the transmission parts 51
of the shadow mask 40. At this time, when the shadow mask 40 is
held by the evaporation apparatus, and is maintained by a
predetermined space from the evaporation apparatus for a preset
period of time, the central portion of shadow mask 40 or the other
portion adjacent to the transmission part may be sagging due to the
gravity.
[0029] Especially, as shown in FIG. 2, when using the shadow mask
40 including the plurality of cell-forming parts, a slit type is
more advantageous than a slot type having a transmission part in a
corresponding pixel in that the slit is easily formed in desired
size without decrease in width of the organic light-emitting layer.
In this case, the mask is more severely sagged in a length
direction of the transmission part due to the large length of slit,
wherein the length of the silt is corresponding to that of the
transmission part.
[0030] The related art shadow mask has the following
disadvantages.
[0031] When using the shadow mask 40 including the plurality of
cell-forming parts, the slit type is more advantageous than the
slot type having the transmission part in the corresponding pixel
in that the slit is easily formed in desired size without decrease
in width of the organic light-emitting layer. In this case, the
mask is more severely sagged due to the large length of slit.
[0032] The organic light-emitting layer of OLED display is formed
by the evaporation deposition method. In this case, the organic
light-emitting layer is formed on the portion exposed by the shadow
mask. At this time, when the shadow mask 40 is held by the
evaporation apparatus, and is maintained by the predetermined space
from the evaporation apparatus for a preset period of time, the
central portion of shadow mask or the other portion adjacent to the
transmission part may be sagging due to the gravity. As the shadow
mask is sagging, it is difficult to form the organic light-emitting
layer normally. Accordingly, the organic light-emitting layer may
be larger or smaller than the desired size, or may be formed in the
other portion being apart from the desired portion. Especially, if
the transmission parts of shadow mask are provided with the long
slits formed at the same direction, the shadow mask may be more
severely sagging.
[0033] In order to overcome this problem, a magnetic force may be
applied to the shadow mask which is formed of the metal material,
to thereby lift up the shadow mask. However, there is a requirement
for providing an additional apparatus to apply the magnetic force
to the shadow mask, thereby increasing the fabrication costs of the
device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a shadow
mask and a method of fabricating an OLED display using the same
that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations
and disadvantages of the related art.
[0035] An advantage of the present invention is to provide a shadow
mask which is not sagging, and a method of fabricating an organic
light-emitting diode (OLED) display device using the shadow
mask.
[0036] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. These and other advantages of the invention will be
realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in
the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended
drawings.
[0037] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described
herein, a shadow mask includes a plurality of columns, each column
including a plurality of first or second cell-forming parts,
wherein the first and second cell-forming parts are alternately
arranged in the columns, and the first and second cell-forming
parts provided in the adjacent columns include a plurality of
transmission parts having different open directions.
[0038] At this time, the transmission parts provided in the
cell-forming parts for each column have the same open
direction.
[0039] Also, the column provided with the transmission parts having
the first direction alternates with the column provided with the
transmission parts having the second direction.
[0040] Also, the first and second directions cross each other.
[0041] Also, the first direction is orthogonal to the second
direction.
[0042] In another aspect, a shadow mask includes a plurality of
columns and rows, each column including a plurality of first or
second cell-forming parts, each cell-forming part including a
plurality of transmission parts, wherein the first cell-forming
parts are positioned in the odd-numbered rows, and the second
cell-forming parts are positioned in the even-numbered rows.
[0043] At this time, the transmission parts provided in the
cell-forming parts for each column have the same open
direction.
[0044] Also, the transmission parts provided in the cell-forming
parts for the columns have the same open direction.
[0045] Also, the first cell-forming parts provided with the
transmission parts having the first direction alternate with the
second cell-forming parts provided with the transmission parts
having the second direction.
[0046] Also, the first and second directions cross each other.
[0047] Also, the first direction is orthogonal to the second
direction.
[0048] In another aspect, a method of fabricating an OLED display
includes preparing a shadow mask including a plurality of columns,
each column including a plurality of first or second cell-forming
parts, wherein the first and second cell-forming parts are
alternately arranged in the columns, and the first and second
cell-forming parts provided in the adjacent columns include a
plurality of transmission parts having different open directions;
positioning the shadow mask below a substrate; and forming an
organic light-emitting layer by supplying an organic light-emitting
material layer from an organic light-emitting material supplier
positioned below the shadow mask to the substrate through the
transmission parts of shadow mask.
[0049] In another aspect, a method of fabricating an OLED display
includes preparing a shadow mask including a plurality of columns
and rows, each column including a plurality of first or second
cell-forming parts, each cell-forming part including a plurality of
transmission parts, wherein the first cell-forming parts are
positioned in the odd-numbered rows, and the second cell-forming
parts are positioned in the even-numbered rows; positioning the
shadow mask below a substrate; and forming an organic
light-emitting layer by supplying an organic light-emitting
material layer from an organic light-emitting material supplier
positioned below the shadow mask to the substrate through the
transmission parts of shadow mask.
[0050] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0052] In the drawings:
[0053] FIG. 1 is a cross section view of illustrating a dual plate
type OLED display according to the related art;
[0054] FIG. 2 is a plane view of illustrating a shadow mask to
fabricate an OLED display according to the related art;
[0055] FIG. 3 is a plane view of illustrating a shadow mask
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 4 is a plane view of illustrating a shadow mask
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0057] FIG. 5 is a view of illustrating a method of fabricating an
organic light-emitting layer of OLED display using a shadow mask
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0058] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0059] FIG. 3 is a plane view of illustrating a shadow mask of an
OLED display according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the shadow mask according to the first
embodiment of the present invention is defined with a plurality of
columns. Along each of the columns, there are a plurality of first
or second cell-forming parts 110 or 120, wherein each of first and
second cell-forming parts 110 and 120 is provided with a plurality
of transmission parts 111. At this time, the transmission parts 111
provided in the adjacent columns are perpendicular with each other.
For example, the transmission part provided in the even-numbered
column is perpendicular to the transmission part provided in the
odd-numbered column. For the same column, the transmission parts
111 are arranged in the same direction. Referring to FIG. 3, along
the same column of shadow mask 100, the transmission parts 111
positioned in the adjacent cell-forming parts 110 or 120 may be
arranged in the same vertical line or in the different vertical
lines.
[0061] On the assumption that the shadow mask 100 includes `n`
columns, the first cell-forming part 110 having the transmission
part 111 of a first direction is formed in the first column; and
the second cell-forming part 120 having the transmission part 121
of a second direction is formed in the second column. In this case,
the open direction of each transmission part 111 provided in the
first column is different from the open direction of each
transmission part 121 provided in the second column.
[0062] The first direction of the transmission part 111 provided in
the first cell-forming part of the first column may be orthogonal
or slant to the second direction of the transmission part 121
provided in the second cell-forming part of the second column. As
the transmission part 111 provided in the first cell-forming part
110 is provided at the different direction as the transmission part
121 provided in the second cell-forming part 120, it is possible to
compensate for the shadow mask sagging at the different directions.
Especially, it is possible to prevent the sag in the central
portion of shadow mask caused by the gravity.
[0063] At this time, the transmission parts 111 and 121 are formed
as the open type. Except the transmission parts, the other portions
of shadow mask 100 are defined with a masking part 101. In an
evaporation deposition, a material is evaporated and is then
deposited on a substrate (not shown) through the transmission parts
111 and 121 of shadow mask. In case of the masking part 101, the
evaporated material is not transmitted therethrough.
[0064] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the shadow
mask 100 has the first and second cell-forming parts which are
different from each other. This is because the shadow mask is more
severely sagging due to the increased open area caused by the
transmission parts arranged in the same direction on the slit
type.
[0065] In this respect, the shadow mask 100 according to the first
embodiment of the present invention has both the transmission part
111 having the first direction and the transmission part 121 having
the second direction, wherein the odd-numbered column having the
transmission part 111 of the first direction alternates with the
even-numbered column having the transmission part 121 of the second
direction, thereby preventing the shadow mask from sagging due to
the tension of a predetermined direction.
[0066] FIG. 4 is a plane view of illustrating a shadow mask
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, the shadow mask 200 according to the
second embodiment of the present invention is defined with a
plurality of columns and rows. Along each of the columns, there are
a plurality of first or second cell-forming parts 210 or 220,
wherein each of the first and second cell-forming parts 210 and 220
is provided with a plurality of transmission parts 211. At this
time, the first cell-forming parts 210 are positioned in the
odd-numbered row of shadow mask 200; and the second cell-forming
parts 220 are positioned in the even-numbered row of shadow mask
200. Also, the transmission parts 211 of the first and second
cell-forming parts 210 and 220 are arranged in the same
direction.
[0068] Although not shown, the first cell-forming part is provided
with a first direction, and the second cell-forming part is
provided with a second direction, wherein the first direction of
first cell-forming part is different from the second direction of
second cell-forming part. For example, when providing the plurality
of cell-forming parts based on the arrangement of FIG. 4, the first
direction of first cell-forming part may be orthogonal or slant to
the second direction of second cell-forming part.
[0069] A method of fabricating an OLED display using the shadow
mask 200 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention will be described as follows.
[0070] First, the shadow mask 200 is prepared, which is defined
with the plurality of columns and rows. Along each of the columns
provided in the shadow mask 200, there are the plurality of first
or second cell-forming parts 210 or 220, wherein each of the first
and second cell-forming parts 210 and 220 is provided with the
plurality of transmission parts 211. At this time, the first
cell-forming parts 210 are positioned in the odd-numbered row of
shadow mask 200; and the second cell-forming parts 220 are
positioned in the even-numbered row of shadow mask 200. Also, the
transmission parts 211 of the first and second cell-forming parts
210 and 220 are arranged in the same direction.
[0071] Then, the shadow mask 200 is positioned below the substrate
(not shown), and an organic light-emitting material supplier is
positioned below the shadow mask 200. Thus, the organic
light-emitting material supplier supplies an organic light-emitting
material to the substrate (not shown) through the transmission
parts of shadow mask, whereby the organic light-emitting material
is formed on the substrate.
[0072] FIG. 5 is a view of illustrating a method of fabricating the
organic light-emitting layer of OLED display using the shadow mask
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, the organic light-emitting material to
emit the predetermined-colored light to the transmission part 111
of the shadow mask 100 or 200 is evaporated so that a first organic
light-emitting layer 310 is formed. At this time, an organic
light-emitting material supplier 410 to supply the organic
light-emitting material is positioned below the shadow mask 100.
Also, the organic light-emitting material is supplied in the vapor
state at a high temperature. Thus, the vapor of light-emitting
material is adhered onto the surface of the exposed substrate 300.
In this case, the outer side of shadow mask 100 is supported by a
frame 400, whereby the shadow mask 100 is positioned above the
organic light-emitting material supplier 410 and below the
substrate 300.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, the first organic light-emitting layer
310 is formed in the corresponding sub pixel after forming second
and third organic light-emitting layers 320 and 330 in the other
sub pixels. To form the second and third organic light-emitting
layers 320 and 330, the same shadow mask 100 is shifted by one sub
pixel or two sub pixels.
[0075] A method of forming the organic light-emitting layer of OLED
display using the shadow mask 100 will be described as follows.
[0076] First, the shadow mask 100 is prepared, which is positioned
below the substrate. Also, the organic light-emitting material
supplier 410 is positioned below the shadow mask 100. Then, the
organic light-emitting material is supplied to the substrate
through the transmission parts of the shadow mask 100, whereby the
corresponding organic light-emitting layer is formed on the
predetermined portion of the substrate 300.
[0077] The shadow mask 100 according to the first or second
embodiment of the present invention may be used. For the shadow
mask 100 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention, there are the plurality of columns, and there are the
plurality of first or second cell-forming parts along each of the
columns, wherein each of the first and second cell-forming parts is
provided with the plurality of transmission parts, and the
transmission parts provided in the adjacent columns are
perpendicular with each other.
[0078] For the shadow mask according to the second embodiment of
the present invention, there are the plurality of columns and rows,
and there are the plurality of first or second cell-forming parts
along each of the columns, each of the first and second
cell-forming parts provided with a plurality of transmission parts,
wherein the first cell-forming parts are positioned in the
odd-numbered row of shadow mask; the second cell-forming parts are
positioned in the even-numbered row of shadow mask; and the
transmission parts of the first and second cell-forming parts are
arranged in the same direction.
[0079] As mentioned above, the shadow mask according to the present
invention and the method of fabricating the OLED display using the
shadow mask have the following advantages.
[0080] For the related art shadow mask, the central portion of
shadow mask may be sagging more than the edge of shadow mask due to
the gravity applied to the shadow mask. Especially, if the
transmission parts of shadow mask are provided in the slit types,
the open directions of the transmission parts are the same, so that
the shadow mask is more severely sagging due to the slit-type
transmission parts.
[0081] In the meantime, the slit-type shadow mask according to the
present invention includes the plurality of columns and rows. Along
each of the columns, there are the plurality of first or second
cell-forming parts, wherein each of first and second cell-forming
parts is provided with a plurality of transmission parts. At this
time, the open directions of the transmission parts provided in the
adjacent columns are different from each other, thereby
strengthening the tension of the shadow mask. As a result, it is
possible to prevent the shadow mask from sagging down.
[0082] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variation can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
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